Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: the principles of the Council of Europe have been violated

07.05.2014

At today's meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of Europe in Vienna, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that in recent months the security situation in Europe has changed dramatically. “The annexation of Crimea, ongoing clashes in eastern Ukraine and the recent violence in Odessa leave no doubt that the principles of the European Council and European security has been seriously violated,” the Estonian foreign minister stressed.

Paet stated that these events need serious attention from the Council of Europe. “For example, it has to be demanded that the Russian parliament overturn the decision allowing the use of armed forces in Ukraine,” he said.

Paet reiterated the importance of efforts for the May 25 presidential elections to be carried out in an all-encompassing and free manner. "The presence of international observers is very important," he stressed.
Paet confirmed that Estonia considers the fast implementation of the Council's legal and legislative aid project in Ukraine to be essential. “Only respect for the rule of law and democratic governance and a successful fight against corruption will contribute to Ukraine's stable development,” he said. He added that Estonia has already supported the Council of Europe’s legislation project in Ukraine with 10 000 euros.

Paet stated that in addition to Ukraine, other problematic regions in Europe must not be forgotten. "Georgia's territorial integrity according to internationally agreed borders must be respected," the Foreign Minister said, and added that the Council of Europe must actively use all possibilities to solve problems in areas affected by conflict.
Austria is currently the President of the Council of Europe. Following the meeting in Vienna, Azerbaijan takes over the presidency of the Council of Europe from Austria.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland also presented his report entitled “State of Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Europe" at the ministerial meeting.